In Italy, there’s no Thanksgiving (Italians have only imported various versions of Black Friday and the following Cyber Monday, but that’s another story) nor any “formal” holiday designed to express gratitude. There are, however, days and traditions that foster appreciation for family, loved ones, and the community at large.
Patron Saint Feast Days, an Ode to Communities
Each Italian city has a Patron Saint Feast Day: schools and offices are closed, and there are celebrations that often date back centuries. Some patroni (“patron saint,” indeed) are more eminent than others, like San Francesco, who is Santo Patrono d’Italia and whose day is October 4. The fourth day of October is also San Petronio (yes, 365 are not enough for all the saints, so some of them have to share the glory), that is, the patron saint of Bologna. Local traditions to honor San Petronio include: a concert in the Basilica di San Petronio, the night before (Basilica which is hosted in the gorgeous Piazza Maggiore, in the very city center); a horse race called Palio di San Petronio, whose origins go back to the 12th century; eating il Pane di San Petronio, a home-made bread made with prosciutto crudo and parmigiano. All of these rituals—in general, all the ceremonies that come with these days—have the community gathered around the idea of “living in the same place” and go beyond the religious roots of the days themselves. Milano, whose patron saint is Ambrogio—celebrated on December 7th— combines traditional celebrations with the bestowing of the Ambrogino d’Oro. Conferred by the City of Milan to citizens who have shown exceptional civic engagement and given meritorious service to the city, the Ambrogino d’Oro is the highest civic honor. Another famous tradition, that brings the city together —but also, the most iconic day to protest, thanks, national visibility!—is the opening night (known as Prima della Scala) of the opera season at Milan’s world-renowned Teatro alla Scala, which happens on December 7th.
Other events that bring communities together —thus fostering a sense of belonging—are, just to name a few: food festivals, which generally focus on local food and businesses, sport (non-competitive) events, charities, and walks to discover local gems.
Italy, as a country and national community, has its highest celebration on April 25, il Giorno della Liberazione (Liberation Day): countless parades, celebrations, and parties are spread all over the country.
Family, Friends, Pets
When it comes to smaller communities—families, friends, people who share an interest—traditions to bring them together include all the “classic” holidays in which families gather to share food, chats, and good times. Some are more family-devoted (Christmas, above all), some others “can” be shared with people other than families. Pasqua (Easter) and Pasquetta (Easter Monday), in particular, even have their own saying: Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi (Christmas with family, Easter with whomever you’d like). To celebrate parental figures, Italians have la Festa della Mamma (the second Sunday of May); la Festa del Papà (March 19th), the recently added Festa dei nonni (October 2nd), and, to be as inclusive as possible, the Giornata Internazionale della Famiglia (May 15th).
And we cannot forget our pets! There is the Giornata Mondiale degli Animali (World Animal Day), which falls on… October 4th —one of the busiest days of the year, apparently, but no surprise here since Francis is associated with the patronage of animals. The Giornata Mondiale del Cane (World Dog Day), on August 26th, might be another chance to spoil your dog. These days are not widely celebrated, but still, an occasion for whoever wants to cherish their beloved pets. (And Italians love pets: almost one out of two households has some pets).
So, there might not be an official “gratitude” day, but plenty of occasions to celebrate, eat, march, or simply share love.
By Claudia Quesito
Also read:
Days of celebration in November across Italy
November Holidays in Italy: Traditions and Customs
